Dear Members of the Flemish Government,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We, Congolese researchers and alumni of the Institute of Development Policy (IOB), write to express our profound concern over the recent announcement to cut funding to this vital institution \u2014 and action that practically amounts to shutting it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a time when Europe is prioritizing increased competitiveness and reducing energy and supply chain vulnerabilities, Flanders stands to gain significantly from strengthening partnerships rather than dismantling them. Unfortunately, this decision jeopardizes two decades of Flemish investment in honest collaborations, positive international visibility, and improved understanding of sustainable and fair mineral supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After two decades of exceptional contributions, IOB has become a cornerstone of development research and capacity building, fostering rich partnerships between Flanders and Central Africa, especially with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where it has trained more students than any other department, not only in Flanders but worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IOB\u2019s research on critical minerals, conflict dynamics in DRC and neighboring countries (Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi), the links between mineral resources and armed groups such as M23, and efforts in state reconstruction and justice reform, has been crucial for knowledge co-creation and mutual understanding between Flemish and Congolese scholars. In regions often dominated by narratives of colonial injustice, IOB has offered an alternative perspective\u2014positioning Flanders as a positive force in co-creating knowledge, strategic solutions, and solidarity. IOB\u2019s decolonization reflections, particularly in its work in the DRC, resonated with the University of Antwerp\u2019s decision to rename a former colonial lecture hall after Lumumba two years ago. Reversing this momentum benefits neither Flanders nor the DRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In times of crisis, partnerships should be built\u2014not cut. And indeed, by building partnerships with local universities in Kinshasa, Bukavu<\/em>, Kisangani <\/em>and Lubumbashi<\/em> and research centres like Centre d\u2019Expertise en Gestion Mini\u00e8re<\/em>, IOB is helping cultivate a new generation of empowered female and male academic, political and economic leaders, who, despite the war the DRC faces, return home to contribute to their best to its development in their respective sectors. This long-term investment in collaboration benefits both the DRC\u2019s path to stability and development, and Flanders\u2019 potential for innovation supported by a stable and ethical mineral supply chain. Beyond the DRC, IOB continues to be a positive force in many other developing countries through its educational programs, research activities, and support for local initiatives. It has also established national alumni networks around the world, maintaining strong ties with public and private sectors in these countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Burning the bridges that Flanders has built over the past two decades and opting for isolation would make Flanders economically vulnerable in the long term and miss the opportunity to foster global stability through collaboration. We therefore urge the Flemish Government to reassess this decision and continue supporting IOB, recognizing it as a vital asset for global development, regional stability, and Flanders\u2019 international reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your attention and consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Albert Malukisa Nkuku, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alfred Mukengere Murhabazi, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benjamin Muhoza Kanze, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bienvenu Matungulu, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bossissi Nkuba, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christine Cikesa Musharhamina, researcher<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dieu-Merci Rodrigue Cebweru<\/p>\n\n\n\n Divin-Luc Bikubanya, Teaching Assistant and PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Denis Samnick Augustin, Teaching Assistant and PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elias Maombi Ndatabaye, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elie Lunanga, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emmanuella Bauma, researcher<\/p>\n\n\n\n Francine Iragi Mukotanyi, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gracieux Shashi, Master student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Janvier Kilosho Buraye, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joseph Bahati Mukulu, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laurent Mugisho, civil servant<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naomi Mayinga Mputu, researcher<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naomi Nabami, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Olivier Bahati Mastaki, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pascal Cibangala, Master student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paterne Murhula, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul Robain Namegabe, Professor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paulin Balungwe Shamavu, PhD student<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thierry Mirindi, researcher<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dear Members of the Flemish Government, We, Congolese researchers and alumni of the Institute of Development Policy … <\/p>\nOn behalf of the Congolese IOB researchers and alumni,<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n